Application forms and procedures

The need for ethical approval

The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) has developed a flow chart to assist in determining the need for ethical approval. Please refer to this document if you are in any doubt as to whether you should submit an application to MUAEC.

ARRIVE guidelines

The ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of in vivoExperiments) guidelines have been developed by the NC3Rs to improve standards of reporting and ensure that the data from animal experiments can be fully evaluated and utilised. The guidelines are primarily aimed at scientists writing up their research for publication and for those who are involved in peer review.

PREPARE guidelines

The PREPARE (Planning Research and Experimental Procedures on Animals: Recommendations for Excellence) guidelines complement the ARRIVE guidelines and focus on a large number of factors which, although they are seldom reported in scientific papers, can dramatically influence the validity and outcome of studies on animals, as well as the health and safety of all those concerned.

Guidance for completion of application form

In order to assist students who may be completing applications on behalf of their supervisors, the Animal Ethics Committee has drawn up an annotated application form which provides explanations as to what is required in most sections of this document. Please refer to this guideline as necessary when completing your submission. However, do not modify then submit this actual template - it is for reference only.

Declaration forms

Consultation with Māori

Please note that consultation with Māori must occur if the application involves work with native fauna.

The most important part of the consultation process is the establishment of relationships with iwi, both locally and nationally, depending on the location and type of research. It is expected that this liaison take place prior to submission of any application because Māori wish to be consulted at the conceptual stage.

Please note that consultation must be directly between the researcher, or research group, and iwi, independent of consultation between the Department of Conservation and iwi. Consultation may be verbal only, or with written confirmation, in accordance with the wishes of the iwi. Where written confirmation has been provided, please retain this documentation, as consultation may be subject to audit at any time. Applicants are required to confirm that consultation has resulted in agreement by iwi, or provide justification for proceeding with an application in the event that iwi did not approve the project.

The Kaiarahi Office of the College of Sciences is happy to provide support and counsel on any research or teaching proposal involving work with native fauna and can facilitate in giving contact and procedural advice if interaction with iwi is required.

Lower North and South Islandsplease contact:

Project feedback

At the conclusion of your protocol, applicants are requested to complete a project feedback form and return same to the MUAEC Secretary.

The purpose of this exercise is to identify animal welfare outcomes of research, testing and teaching, both favourable and unfavourable. This will assist the AEC to evaluate future protocols and to advise applicants on ways to achieve the best outcomes for animals.